In celebration of Women's History Month in the US, IGN is proud to showcase the remarkable women within our team and their favorite female authors. Last year, we shared our top picks in games, movies, and TV, but this year, we're turning the spotlight on the world of literature. When we asked the women of IGN about their favorite women authors, the responses were diverse, spanning a rich tapestry of genres and styles. Here, we delve into their choices, celebrating both the women of IGN and the brilliant authors they admire.
Sharon Creech
Her stories, which delve into themes of love, grief, and the complexities of human life, are truly exceptional. –Marhyan Franzen
Notable works: Walk Two Moons, Chasing Redbird
Sharon Creech### Walk Two Moons
1In her uniquely beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech masterfully intertwines two narratives, one humorous and one poignant, to craft a heartwarming, compelling, and profoundly moving tale of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions.$9.99 save 30%$6.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonKelly Sue DeConnick
Kelly Sue DeConnick has been a trailblazer in the predominantly male world of comics. Her work with Marvel, notably bringing the Captain Marvel title to Carol Danvers, has left a lasting legacy, influencing the MCU where she served as a consultant. Beyond the mainstream, her contributions to indie comics like Pretty Deadly and Bitch Planet showcase her versatility and commitment to storytelling that resonates with feminist themes. Her ongoing project, FML, from Dark Horse Comics, adds a supernatural twist to her repertoire. If you haven't yet experienced her work, you're missing out on the brilliance of an exceptional writer and a remarkable person. –Chelsea Reed
Notable works: Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman Historia, Pretty Deadly, Bitch Planet, FML
Kelly Sue DeConnick### Captain Marvel
1As Earth's Mightiest Hero, Captain Marvel finally claims her rightful place. Yet, as she faces pivotal choices, a dramatic turn propels her into the heart of an intergalactic conflict!$125.00 save 46%$68.02 at AmazonSarah Rose Etter
Sarah Rose Etter's novels are a blend of the surreal and the strikingly clear, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate the unconventional. With only two novels published so far, both have captured my heart as standout reads of their respective years. The Book of X, with its haunting depiction of generational meat farmers and women with twisted stomachs, and Ripe, which follows a woman navigating the chaos of a San Francisco startup while grappling with an ever-present void, showcase Etter's unique narrative voice. Her ability to craft stories that are both otherworldly and intimately relatable is unparalleled, and I eagerly anticipate many more of her works. –Leanne Butkovic
Notable works: Ripe, The Book of X
Sarah Rose Etter### Ripe: A Novel
1A surreal novel with “a dark, delicious edge” (Time) that explores a woman's journey in Silicon Valley, questioning the price of success—from an award-winning writer praised by Roxane Gay as “utterly unique and remarkable.”$18.00 save 12%$15.81 at AmazonSee it at AmazonIsabel Greenberg
The upcoming film adaptation of this feminist medieval tale, featuring Charli XCX as Rosa, has me buzzing with excitement! –Kelly Pham
Notable works: The 100 Nights of Hero
Isabel Greenberg### The One Hundred Nights of Hero
1In the vein of The Arabian Nights, this beautifully illustrated work weaves together folk tales and myths to celebrate the secret legacy of female storytellers in a reimagined medieval world.$11.31 See it at AmazonN.K Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy is a must-read, and though all her fantasy novels merit attention, the trilogy stands out for its captivating narrative, rich characters, and inventive magic system. The second book, The Obelisk Gate, is particularly noteworthy. While the playful storytelling in The Fifth Season might initially confuse some, the payoff is well worth it. The story follows Essun, a woman on a quest to find her husband, who killed their son and abducted their daughter, all while surviving a recurring cataclysm and concealing her earth-manipulating powers. It's an unforgettable, Hugo Award-winning journey. –Miranda Sanchez
Notable works: The Broken Earth Trilogy (The Fifth Season), The City We Became
N.K Jemisin### The Broken Earth Trilogy: The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky
1This collectible boxed set includes all three books in N. K. Jemisin's acclaimed, NYT bestselling, and three-time Hugo award-winning Broken Earth Trilogy.$49.99 save 45%$27.49 at AmazonSee it at AmazonT. Kingfisher
T. Kingfisher's prolific output is astounding, and her adventurous retellings of classic fairy tales and horror stories never cease to captivate me. Her work often leans into gothic horror and dark fantasy, yet her comedic timing and well-crafted characters provide a necessary balance to the darker themes. From the chilling exploration of emotional abuse in "What Moves the Dead" to the poignant Saint of Steel series, which delves into identity and loss, Kingfisher's storytelling leaves a lasting impact. –MS
Notable works: Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Paladin's Grace
T. Kingfisher### What Moves the Dead
1A gripping and atmospheric reinterpretation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” from the acclaimed Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher$14.99 save 44%$8.46 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHan Kang
Recommending Han Kang, the recent Nobel Prize winner for Literature, might seem obvious, especially with BTS celebrating her on Instagram, but her work is undeniably worthy of praise. My introduction to her was through The Vegetarian, translated into English in 2015, which immediately captivated me with its unsettling yet mesmerizing narrative of a housewife's refusal to eat meat, leading to more extreme choices. Since then, I've followed her work, from the thematically similar Greek Lessons to the stark portrayal of South Korean political violence in Human Acts and We Do Not Part. Han Kang is a literary genius and an absolute force. –LB
Notable works: We Do Not Part, The Vegetarian, Human Acts, Greek Lessons
Han Kang### The Vegetarian
1Celebrated globally, The Vegetarian is a darkly allegorical, Kafka-esque tale of power, obsession, and one woman’s quest for liberation from internal and external violence.$18.00 save 17%$15.00 at AmazonSee it at AmazonYume Kitasei
Yume Kitasei, a burgeoning talent in sci-fi, has already made waves with her first two novels and is set to release her third. Her ability to create immersive worlds and engaging plots in standalone stories is remarkable. The Deep Sky, a gripping murder mystery set on a tech-filled spaceship, and The Stardust Grail, an exhilarating adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones, showcase her imaginative storytelling. I eagerly await her next novel this fall. –MS
Notable works: The Deep Sky, Stardust Grail
Yume Kitasei### The Deep Sky
1Yume Kitasei's debut sci-fi thriller, The Deep Sky, follows a mission into deep space that turns deadly, leaving the survivors to unravel the mystery of the crew's loyalty.$18.99 save 34%$12.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Carson Levine
A perfect entry point into fantasy for young readers. –MF
Notable works: Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine### Ella Enchanted
1This beloved Newbery Honor-winning tale of a spirited heroine is sure to enchant readers of all ages. $9.99 save 30%$6.99 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSarah J. Mass
Sarah J. Maas reigns supreme in the realm of fantasy romance, leaving readers spellbound with her intricate world-building and storytelling. Best known for the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which explores a young woman's journey in a magical realm, Maas's work is deeply engaging. Her first series, Throne of Glass, launched her career as a teenage author, and her latest, Crescent City, continues to captivate. Maas's ability to craft strong characters and weave thrilling plots with romantic elements makes her a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. –Jessie Wade
Notable works: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, Crescent City
Sarah J. Mass### A Court of Thorns and Roses
0From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a mesmerizing blend of romance, adventure, and faerie lore that captivates listeners.$19.00 save 42%$10.95 at AmazonSee it at AmazonSilvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia fearlessly explores various genres, from historical romance with a hint of fantasy in The Beautiful Ones to dark vampire tales in Certain Dark Things. While some of her romance-focused stories might feel similar if read consecutively, her work is diverse and captivating. Her narratives often center around dark historical fantasy in North America, especially Mexico, bringing a refreshing perspective. Every new release from her is a guaranteed addition to my bookshelf. –MS
Notable works: Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow, Silver Nitrate
Silvia Moreno-Garcia### Mexican Gothic
1From the author of Gods of Jade and Shadow comes a chilling twist on classic gothic horror set in the glamorous 1950s Mexico.$17.00 save 43%$9.73 at AmazonSee it at AmazonErin Morgenstern
Erin Morgenstern's novels, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea, are dreamlike experiences. Her work is so compelling that I purchase hardcover editions and collect various versions. The Night Circus, a lush historical fantasy romance about two magicians destined for a mystical duel, is my go-to for breaking reading slumps. The Starless Sea, a winding tale about stories, transports readers to an underground library of narratives in peril. Both novels are best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. –MS
Notable works: The Night Circus, The Starless Sea
Erin Morgenstern### The Night Circus
1Written in seductive prose, this spellbinding novel is a sensory and emotional delight.$19.00 save 51%$9.33 at AmazonSee it at AmazonHelen Oyeyemi
Helen Oyeyemi's upcoming books always fill me with excitement. Her unique voice defies easy categorization, akin to chasing a playful yet elusive ghost. Her novels, often inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's folktales but transformed into fantastical adventures, challenge the norms of literary fiction. As Alexandra Kleeman noted in The Nation, Oyeyemi's work is like navigating a moving vehicle with a full cup of hot tea—discombobulating yet thrilling. –LB
Notable works: Parasol Against the Axe, Gingerbread, Boy Snow Bird, Mr. Fox
Helen Oyeyemi### Mr. Fox
1The extraordinarily gifted Helen Oyeyemi crafts a love story unlike any other. Mr. Fox is a magical journey, witty, charming, and profoundly insightful about human connections.$18.00 save 25%$13.59 at AmazonSee it at AmazonLeomi Sadler
Tummy Bugs is a vibrant collection spanning over a decade of Leomi Sadler's work, filled with bright colors and dark humor. –KP
Notable works: Tummy Bugs
Leomi Sadler### Tummy Bugs
1This collection introduces and reflects on Leomi Sadler's dynamic and deeply personal cartooning style.$25.42 See it at AmazonSamantha Shannon
For fans eagerly awaiting George R.R. Martin's next installment, Samantha Shannon's Roots of Chaos series offers a satisfying alternative. Starting with The Priory of the Orange Tree, this high fantasy saga boasts rich characters, dragons, magic, suspense, and a compelling twist. With an 845-page debut and subsequent prequels, A Day of Fallen Night and the forthcoming Among the Burning Flowers, Shannon's series is perfect for those seeking a new epic to dive into. –CR
Notable works: The Roots of Chaos series (The Priory of the Orange Tree), The Bone Season series
Samantha Shannon### The Priory of the Orange Tree (The Roots of Chaos)
1A world divided, a queendom without an heir, and an ancient enemy awakening.$10.92 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonGail Simone
Gail Simone's long career in comics and other media highlights the quieter, yet powerful moments in superheroes' lives. As the first female solo writer for Uncanny X-Men and a GLAAD award winner, her work speaks volumes. She's more amazing than words can capture—definitely worth exploring! –MF
Notable works: Uncanny X-Men. You can pre-order the next release (August 5) on Amazon now.
Gail Simone### (Kindle Only) Uncanny X-Men
2A core group of essential X-Men rise FROM THE ASHES to face a world without a home - and without Professor X! $5.99 at AmazonSue Lynn Tan
Sue Lynn Tan's debut, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, beautifully reimagines the Chinese legend of the moon goddess. This romantic adventure continues in Heart of the Sun Warrior, forming a captivating duology. The story follows Xingyin, the hidden daughter of the exiled moon goddess, on her quest to free her mother. Tan's engaging storytelling and understanding of romantic pacing make these novels stand out in the romantic fantasy genre. –MS
Notable works: The Celestial Kingdom Duology (Daughter of the Moon Goddess), Immortal
Sue Lynn Tan### (Book 1 of 3) Daughter of the Moon Goddess
1A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, following a young woman's quest to free her mother.$17.99 save 32%$12.18 at AmazonMorgan Vogel
Morgan Vogel's art is both visceral and intelligent, with beautiful yet unsettling illustrations. It captures the essence of feeling lost, whether in the digital realm, the physical world, or within oneself. –KP
Notable works: Nightcore Energy, Valle
Morgan Vogel### Nightcore Energy
1With a haunting pen, Nightcore Energy portrays a young man's attempt to escape alienation through technology, reflecting Morgan's own experiences as a teenage web-artist.See it at Organ.FailJacqueline Wilson
Jacqueline Wilson's young adult novels tackle challenging topics like grief, substance abuse, bullying, and abandonment. Growing up, her books were my solace during tough times, resonating deeply with my own experiences. Her numerous awards, including a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, underscore her significant contribution to literature. –Meg Koepp
Notable works: "Girls" series, Think Again, The Illustrated Mum
Jacqueline Wilson### The Illustrated Mum
2Marigold's daughter admires her beauty but worries about her spending and late nights, finding them unsettling.$21.31 See it at AmazonSee it at AmazonRebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series is a compelling adult fantasy romance that follows a young woman's journey at a war college for dragon riders. The series is intense from the start, with violence playing a significant role, yet it never overshadows the rich storytelling, character development, and world-building. Yarros's ability to craft relatable characters facing both physical and mental challenges, while weaving in themes of friendship and support, is exceptional. The romance enhances the plot organically, keeping readers engaged in the fantasy world. With unexpected twists and a deep connection to the dragons, Yarros's series is an emotional rollercoaster. The third book was released on January 21, 2025, with two more to come. –JW
Notable works: Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm)
Rebecca Yarros### (3 Book Set) Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm)
1Immerse yourself in this captivating fantasy series with three stunning books: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.$91.29 See it at AmazonFor more, also check out Humble Bundle's great deals and specials this month for gamers and readers. Humble is partnering with CARE for Women’s History Month. When you purchase a Humble Choice membership this March, 5% of proceeds will support CARE’s programs.
Celebrate Women's History Month### Humble Heroines Bundle
0Take charge as powerful protagonists including Seelah from Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition, Jesse Faden from Control: Ultimate Edition, and Fury from Darksiders 3!See it at Humble Bundle
